Hypermobility

Joint hypermobility means that a person’s joints have a greater range of motion than average. Up to 20% of the population is hypermobile and for many people this does not cause any symptoms and can even be an advantage in certain sports. However, for some people their hypermobility can be very problematic, leading to joint pain and instability.

For those with conditions such as hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), these changes to connective tissue and hypermobility can also lead to other symptoms such as fatigue, pain, gastrointestinal issues, autonomic dysfunction, headaches and dizziness.


How can physiotherapy help?

  • Pain management strategies including massage, taping, dry needling
  • Fatigue management strategies
  • Exercises to improve stability and control around the joint
  •  Management of injuries, dislocations and subluxations
  • Finding ways to exercise that are beneficial and sustainable
  • Assisting to manage co-morbid conditions such as POTS and fibromyalgia

Chronic Illness

How can physiotherapy help?

Many individuals live with chronic illnesses that are often invisible, but incredibly life altering. This may include conditions such as fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, long COVID, POTS and inflammatory pain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Education

  • Helping people to better understand their condition and the science behind their symptoms
  • Helping people to better understand their own triggers and patterns
  • Lifestyle strategies to manage symptoms such as lightheadedness/dizziness
  • Pain management
  • Techniques to use at home

Hands on treatments such as massage and dry needling

  • Understanding the science and various factors contributing to your pain
  • Fatigue management
  • Learning how to manage fatigue to prevent boom-bust cycles (pushing too hard and then crashing)
  • Brainstorming ways to structure work, recreation and home life to better conserve energy

Guidance around exercise

  • Movement can be an important part of managing these conditions. However, exercising when you are dealing with pain and fatigue can feel overwhelming and even impossible at times. 
  • Physiotherapy can help you to find helpful ways to move and adaptations to manage fatigue, pain and other symptoms such as dizziness